JM Custom Kydex AIWB Wing Claw 2.5 Review [2023]

As part of my EDC X9 testing, I needed a good holster for the gun. I bought the handgun itself secondhand, and it came with a decent, but not great holster. However, I found that JM Custom Kydex offered holsters for the EDC X9, so I bought one ASAP. JM is a company that we've used a lot over the years, so I expected a quality holster. How well has the AIWB Wing Claw 2.5 worked with the X9?

What is the AIWB Wing Claw 2.5?

The AIWB Wing Claw 2.5 (WC 2.5) is a kydex holster made by JM Custom Kydex. JM is based out of Texas, and we've used a lot of their holsters over the years. I carried with a JM for the VP9 for a few years, and have used and recommended their holsters for the last half decade. While looking for a holster for the EDC X9, JM had options available, which made it easy to make the choice to buy.

I had used the "George" in the past, but went with the WC 2.5 for a few reasons. While both are usable for appendix carry, the WC 2.5 has a claw built into the design, and allows for use of soft loops, which were features that I prefer. JM offers both "quick ship" and "custom" holsters, and with nearly every common handgun being available to have a holster.

For the EDC X9, I had to order from the custom ship menu. As such, I placed my order, and patiently waited the 5 weeks that it took to receive the holster. For options, I chose soft loops, and the red dot cut. Total cost was $80 for the holster.

How is the build quality on the AIWB Wing Claw 2.5?

Construction, Build Quality, & Features

JM is known for making quality holsters, and that's the case here. The build quality is fantastic, and the fit to the gun is exquisite.

The quality of the kydex is great. The holster is made from one piece of kydex, and is a folded design. It is then sandwiched by three screws, which help to apply more retention to the gun. This is a tried and true design, and it works quite well here.

For mounting to the beltline, I chose soft loops. I find them comfortable, and easy to use. Now, I avoided the "pull the dot" style of loop, as I find them bulky, and since I never undo them, the extra bulk was not worth the tradeoff in concealment. Much like the holster, the loops are quality made too. There are multiple holes on the holster for moving your loops around, however, I kept mine in the spot that they were fitted in from JM.

As part of the name, the WC 2.5 ships with an integrated claw. Assisting with keeping the gun in a consistent spot, and making concealment better, I love a claw. All of my daily AIWB holsters have claws, as I've found them incredibly useful.

The only optional upgrade I went for was for a red dot cut. With the WC 2.5 that I got, the optic cut allowed for plenty of clearance for my RMR.

I've been using the AIWB Wing Claw 2.5 since March of 2023. While the X9 is a gun that I'd hate to end up in an evidence locker, I do carry it a fair bit. As such, I've gotten quite a bit of mileage with it.

Every Day Use With the Wing Claw 2.5

As part of my EDC X9 testing, carrying the gun is a big part of it. The AIWB Wing Claw 2.5 has been my primary holster for the gun, and as such, I've had it in my pants a lot.

While the X9 is a rather large, and somewhat heavy gun, the WC 2.5 makes it feel much smaller. This is one of the most comfortable holsters that I've ever used. The holster itself weighs 3.9 ounces, but with the loaded X9, we're at 2lbs, 14 ounces. Despite that weight, the loops and holster do a great job at making the package feel lighter.

The claw works as intended, and with the rounded edges near the mouth of the holster, I don't get any hotspots on my groin or leg when carrying. I've had the X9 on me for a few road trips where I was seated for hours, and never had any discomfort from the gun. When wearing khakis, dress pants, or even gym shorts (with the Mastermind Covert Belt), the WC 2.5 is supremely comfortable.

Now, it's not perfect, but it's nearly perfect. A common issue for me is having screws form some rust, due to sweat. I spent a lot of the Summer carrying the X9, which meant sweating on the gun and holster. All of the screws on my WC 2.5 have rusted on me, which is to be expected. Nothing that some oil and elbow grease can't fix, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it.

Carrying with this holster has been bliss. How does it perform while shooting?

Shooting Performance

Since getting the WC 2.5 in March, it's been the only holster I've used with the EDC X9. Whether it be carrying, dryfire, or live fire, it's been with this holster.

Back in April, I did ammo testing with the EDC X9. With that, I was also using the WC 2.5 the entire time, and started to form opinions on drawing from it. What I found was really nice. On the WC 2.5, there's a solid gap between the trigger guard section of the holster, and the X9's grip. As such, you can get a very solid strong hand grip on the gun while it is still in the holster. With this, I found that I had very consistent draws and presentations.

Now, my shooting performance is tied to the gun, and not the holster. However, I found that the holster did not get in the way of my ability. During my carry and shooting with the WC 2.5, I had no breakages, cracks, or failures of the holster. Additionally, with how rigid the design is, I found it very easy to safely holster the X9. There's not much more to say here, this holster worked wonderfully for me.

The Verdict

I started concealed carrying in 2013. Over the last decade, I've used a lot of holsters with the guns I've carried. I've used bad holsters (especially in the early days), good holsters, and great holsters. We live in an era where it is not hard to find a quality holster, but when you find one that is exceptionally great, it deserves recognition.

The JM Custom Kydex AIWB WC 2.5 is easily the best holster that I've ever carried. From the build quality, to the comfort, to the performance, this holster does everything exceptionally well. I've certainly spent more money on worse holsters, and for $80, I feel like I've stolen this hunk of kydex. There's nothing I'd change about it, and I'd easily recommend it if you want a quality holster.

Further Reading & Patreon Link

For further reading about my Wilson Combat EDC X9 testing, check out the articles below:

• Wilson Combat EDC X9 First Impressions [2023]
• Testing Self Defense Ammo In The Wilson EDC X9 [2023]

If you'd like to support me on Patreon, I've got the link for that here. Nearly everything that I do on Primer Peak is paid for out of my own pocket (such as the holster reviewed here), and my content is not shilled or driven by manufacturers or companies. If you decide to donate, I'd really appreciate it, as it would allow for me to continue to bring you quality work.